May has finally arrived! I am sure that the lack of snowfall is a sign of good things to come.
We have arrived at the Calgary Farmers Market. Which makes this the perfect time for a mini workshop.
For the most part, herbs are native to the Mediterranean region. What that means to us, from a practical point of view, is that we need to re-create that in our own or yard. When we imagine Greece, or Italy the first thing that comes to mind is sun. Hot, dry sun. Here in Alberta we are fortunate to have aprox. 300 sunny days per year. What we need to help along is the warm feet. Our soil never really gets much above 60F a few inches down. So for varieties such as Basil and Rosemary, a pot above ground will be more fruitful than planting them directly in the ground. For more hardy varieties, planting them in a well drained spot with a south or west exposure is ideal, while container gardening is still a wonderful option. A great rule of thumb for daily care of herbs is to water when they're dry and let them dry out between waterings.
Let common sense prevail! Water weighs, if your pot feels heavy it's wet, if it's light, it's dry. If it's sunny and hot you will need to water more often. If you have recently cut back your herbs, they will need less water than when they are needing a trim and reaching for the sky.
Annual Perennial Tender Perennial Biennial (comes back once,
then goes to seed)
Basil Chives Rosemary Parsley
Dill Lemon Balm Lavender
Cilantro Mint
Summer Savory Oregano
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme
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